Mother

Infancy:

                      The times I wailed and howled without reason -You were there.

         The times I fell in spite of your strong hand - You were there.

         The times I was stubborn and had my way - You were there.

         The feed you filled me with despite your struggles - You were there.

Teenage:

          During my years of growing up - You showed me the way.

          Through my fears of new developments - You showed me the way.

          Through making decisions of love and hate - You showed me the way.

          Through my years of molding into an adult - You showed me the way.

Adulthood:

          To strengthen my career - You encouraged me.

          To select a friend to cherish - You encouraged me.

          In my frustration and discouragement - You encouraged me.

          Through my fears of settling down - You encouraged me.

O Mother Most Pure and Holy,

          Chaste and Immaculate art thou addressed,

O Mother Divine and full of Grace,

          Thou ne’er ceased thy love and care,

Shelter me within thy mantle of love & tenderness,

          Never to falter, never to snare.

Thou who came in the form of my mother on earth,

I give my all unto thee,

To mold and redo that which is left undone,

To be a parent like unto thee,

To impart values and strengths to generations on end,

To love and hold ever so close -

O Mother of mine - Most Pure and Holy- Never to part, I pray,

Ever from thee. 

          - By Maria Noronha